Local News

Planning application refused

A planning application to redevelop Marple Wharf has been refused by local councillors.

The application from H2 Urban on behalf of the Canal and River Trust, was to redevelop the Marple Wharf area including the conversion of the Grade 11 listed former canal warehouse to residential use, demolition of outbuildings and building of seven dwelling houses along with landscaping, car parking and alterations to the access road.

At a meeting of the Marple Area Committee, councillors were told that 95 objections to the proposals had been received along with a petition of 1,431 names. The plan has caused much controversy in the local area with many people also concerned how such a plan would affect the New Horizons canal mooring point, affect the heritage of the area and lead to traffic issues.

Councillors had to consider two planning applications: one for the development of the Marple Wharf area and a second for listed building consent for the conversion of the former warehouse.

They heard various points in favour of the plan including claims that the redevelopment would contribute to increasing the local housing supply. It would also potentially create work for local builders/bring economic benefits to the area and would find a new use for the old canal warehouse.

Gillian Postill from Marple Civic Society told the meeting that objections to the proposals had come from society members, local people and canal boaters. She said: "The message from objectors is that Marple Wharf deserves better than this.''

She said many felt the site was too small for such a development and it would be detrimental to the heritage of the Marple area.

Richard Thomas from H2 Urban told the meeting his business was very experienced in similar canal redevelopment schemes and always created hi-specification homes sympathetic to the local area.

After lengthy discussions at the meeting, councillors took the decision to reject both applications on the grounds that the plans would have a negative impact on the area's heritage. They were also concerned about the density of the development and the amount of traffic it would generate.

*A different proposal is under discussion to convert the former canal warehouse into a new use for the local community.